This week, I am feeling reset, refreshed, and rejuvenated. We spent eleven wonderful days at the river for a staycation over the 4th of July. We couldn’t have had a more perfect week. The weather wasn’t bad at all. We had a few storms throughout the week, but none lasted long. It was hot every day, which was perfect for swimming.
It had been so long since I had a vacation I could truly enjoy. I spent so long feeling pretty miserable with what was going on with my body from medications that when I thought back, it had been well over two years since I had an enjoyable vacation. Let’s face it, those staycations — you can’t beat. If we forgot anything, we were seven minutes from home, not states away. We still had our own beds, just in the campers. Beds we are familiar with. Honestly, I slept like a baby, which brings me to the whole point of my writing this week.
So, on vacation, there were no alarms. The only plans we had or made each day were boating, floating, and snacking. It was perfect. We just told family and friends to stop by anytime, that we would be there. The other wonderful thing about vacationing close to home. It was honestly the best feeling. See, when you aren’t home, you don’t feel guilty about not doing anything. It truly is a beautiful thing. I think that’s why I slept so amazingly.
One morning, I woke up at 6:45 because my bladder was about to burst. Everyone, of course, was still passed out, even our dog Bear.
Bear wasn’t getting his afternoon naps because he was out floating on a big raft on the river all afternoon, so this boy was ready for bed each night. Hims was just exhausted!! Bear looked so cozy curled up on his bed in the living room, and I wanted that too. I chose to go back to bed because I could. As I crawled into bed, my hubby woke up. He decided to get up. I told him I was going back to sleep and asked if he could turn the AC down a bit.
What felt like five minutes after falling back asleep, I woke up. I rubbed my eyes and stretched my arms. I still felt like I could go back to sleep, so I checked the time. It was 10 am. I couldn’t believe it!!! I hadn’t slept that long in forever! And the fact that I wanted to go back to sleep was ridiculous. Of course, I didn’t, but I questioned why I was still so tired when I did nothing all day but float, swim, and enjoy my favorite seat on the boat while cruising up the river.
I guess it’s just from being in the sun all day and swimming. It does take it out of you. We were there for eleven days, and it felt like three. Time flew. Just like time flew when we were sleeping, and I felt like I needed more.
As I continued to stretch, our bedroom door opened. There stood my husband.
“Morning, babe,” he said.
I would have loved to see the look on my face as he stood there. I rubbed my eyes again, thinking I was seeing things. There he stood in his flannel winter jacket.
“Um. Is it cold out there or what??” I asked.
“Yup, it sure is!” he replied.
“Seriously? Oh my gosh! How long did I sleep for? Holy crap!” I said, laughing hysterically.
Chris said, “It’s September, babe. You really slept!”
We both just started cracking up laughing, and then Chris said,
“No, you had me freezing in the living room when you asked me to turn down the AC.”
“Well, what was it set to?” I asked him.
“It was already at 60 through the night, so I turned it down to 58. So my question is, how on earth were you even warm at 60!?” he asked.
“No idea, babe. But the cold must have put me in a trance!” I said. “I slept so well and still don’t want to get up!”
Cold air and warm, cozy blankets are magic, I tell ya. Chris and I laughed about him walking in his heavy winter fleece jacket, and I thought I had slept clear into fall. I had no idea he even had his winter jacket on at the river, so that’s where I really felt like, “Am I dreaming this?”
It, of course, feels good to be back home, but we had a wonderful time at our second home. We still have a few more months to still enjoy the river, but to be up there as long as we were was much needed. I got a nice tan, spent quality time with my kids and husband, and got much-needed rest.
I think everyone deserves a staycation. It’s truly rejuvenating. Heavy flannel jackets and all. Ha!
Tasty Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients:
• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips, seasoned, and grilled
• 2 large red or yellow bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup snow peas, fresh or frozen
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped to your preference (I chopped finely)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 pouches (8.8 ounces each) Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice Roasted Chicken
Directions:
Marinate your chicken overnight in whatever season suits you best. I used McCormick’s Herb and Wine marinade. I then grilled my chicken and cut it into small strips to add to my stir fry when ready.
You also could cube your chicken and cook in 2 TBSP. of oil in the skillet right before you cook your veggies for the stir fry.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the peppers and onions for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
Stir in snow peas; cook 2-3 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the rice according to the package directions. Stir the chicken and rice into the veggie mixture, heating for about 2-4 minutes until thoroughly combined. Add soy sauce, and serve.
